By extending LVOF to a two-phase model, we study impulsive waves created by landslides, based on our design of the massforce coupling model (Li et al., 2007a; 2008). LVOF is a highly efficient Navier-Stokes solver, constructed by a novel VOF finite volume cut-cell approach that incorporates surface tension plus a dynamic subgrid-scale model (Li et al., 2004; 2007). According to the fictitious domain method, the mass-force model represents the coupling of a moving body on the flow, by handling the rigid body distributed over the particle domain as a fluid. Additionally, a ghost cell method (GFM) is used to treat the boundary conditions near the particle-fluid interface. Grid refinement studies are performed for test problems involving aerial landslides. Very encouragingly, the results agree well with measurements available. It is demonstrated that our results can provide valuable base for the analysis of near-field characteristics of landslide generated impulsive waves, by LVOF.
Typically, landslides are mass movements of rock (or soil) downslope. During its movement, an intrinsic feature is very short duration, leading to rapid response of the water surface, often subjected to localized high turbulence due to waves breaking. Based on fluid mechanics of a body moving in waves, the particular problem of interest can be classified as fluid-body coupling under surface water waves. It arises in many different areas of engineering (such as the maritime industry, ship and offshore structures). Theoretically, the relevant study mainly involves numerical modelling of moving boundary multiphase problems, related to the air-water interface plus fluid-particle interface. Only its initial location and geometry are known a priori but the final state has to be determined as part of the solution. Consequently, the gross topology change (like undergoing the processes of merging and breakup) amplifies wave-structure coupling problems. This tends to be more difficult to be solved, especially in the case of a moving body.
